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Finding the Right Mix?
Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning
Alexandra MihaiInstitute for European Studies (IES)Vrije Universtiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
The European Union…
…a labyrinth?
Complex
Multidisciplinary
A rapidly moving target
Target groups
Need for…
… a flexible pedagogical approach
But…
How flexible?
A maze of information out there
But…
… is all this educationor
just information?
Our approach
Three combined/complementary methods
• E-learning: the E-modules• Face-to-face seminars• Webinars: online seminars via Elluminate
vOffice™
E-modules
• an online learning tool offering a structured and interactive way of learning about the history of the European Union, its structure, policy areas and decision-making processes
• combines a knowledge/theoretical component with a practical component (i.e. case studies, real-life scenarios, EU case law)
• User-friendly interface- learners are in control
• Tools for self-assessment and evaluation
Face-to-face teaching
• Three days intensive seminars in Brussels conducted by academics and practitioners
• provide an advanced understanding of the EU institutions and the decision-making process
• Balance of theory and practice• Reduced group size aimed to create a
“learning community” and facilitate interaction
Webinars
• Synchronous online interaction tool• Used for various pedagogical
purposes:• “virtual office hours”• Ice-breaking & feedback sessions• Short online seminars • Longer online conferences
• Using Elluminate vOffice™ • Complements the E-modules and the
face-to-face seminars
Why mix?
Organise content around the learners: be where they are!
Facilitate access to knowledge and expertise
Blended learning…
= more than the sum of its parts
Finding the right mix
The European Studies blended learning continuum
Challenges?
• Self-paced vs. interaction/building a ”learning community”
• Managing complexity at various levels (content, technical & student management)
• Need for specific skills for the educators to operate in a virtual environment (“train the trainer”)
